12 Galaxies is closing later this month. This is horseshit. For the Mission to be devoid of a venue for serious touring bands is for me to die a little. Slim’s is fine and Bottom of the Hill is okay, but they’re SO far away — and god forbid we have to go to Bimbo’s. Might as well drive to Sacramento.

At 12 Galaxies, I’ve seen the Fucking Champs play “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, I’ve seen Robbie Fulks play Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” just because, I’ve seen Sugar & Gold joyously celebrate the release of a rad record years and years in the making, I’ve seen Jay Reatard positively slay the audience even though his set was literally like 12 minutes long, I’ve seen some great graffiti about your mom, I’ve seen a bummed-looking Judah Bauer play to a crowd of five, I’ve taken elbows to the face in the pit, and I’ve loved every second of all of it. Even though it’s only been around for a few years, it feels like a legitimate institution. So, if somebody with money to burn wants to buy it and keep it going, we would support that.

If not, by way of tribute, here’s a cheesy blurb I wrote about the place a couple years ago when I was doing some contract work for an internet travel guide:

Part Mission District dive, part world-class concert venue, 12 Galaxies hosts local and nationally touring rock bands almost every night of the week. Its run-down facade recalls Mission Street’s theater-lined heyday of years past. Inside, you’ll find a well-stocked bar, a grill serving wings and jambalaya, and a charmingly cave-like performance space. Seating is limited, but the dancefloor is ample and a second-floor mezzanine provides ideal sightlines for those less inclined to brave the bumping-and-grinding crowd below. 2006 saw the inauguration of a bigger, taller stage, putting the club on par with any number of the city’s foremost live-music haunts. As such, on any given night, you’ll be happy to see hometown favorites like the Passionistas and Comets On Fire share the bill with rock superstars such as the Black Lips and the Heartless Bastards. See website for event calendar, online ticketing and more.